Childhood memories often feel dream-like for several reasons:
Memory Consolidation: Childhood memories are typically formed during early stages of brain development. As the brain is still maturing, the process of memory consolidation might be less efficient. Consolidation is the process of stabilizing and organizing memories, and when it is less robust, memories can feel fragmented and surreal, similar to dream fragments.
Imagination and Creativity: Childhood is a time of vivid imagination and creativity. Sometimes, memories can get mixed with imaginative elements, blurring the line between what actually happened and what the mind may have created. This can lead to a dream-like quality to the memories.
Long-Term Storage: Childhood memories are often stored in the brain for a long time before they are retrieved. During this storage period, details may fade, and the memory may become more abstract or dreamy.
Limited Verbal Ability: As children, our verbal abilities are not as developed as they are in adulthood. When trying to recall childhood events, it can be challenging to put those experiences into concrete words, leading to a dream-like or hazy feeling.
Emotional Associations: Childhood memories are often tied to strong emotions, and emotional experiences can shape how we remember events. Emotions can enhance or distort memories, making them feel more surreal or dreamy when recalled.
Perspective and Time: Memories from childhood are often viewed from an adult perspective, and the passage of time can alter how we perceive past events. This shift in perspective can make memories seem more distant and dream-like.
Selective Recall: Memory is not a perfect record of past events. Our brains tend to remember certain aspects of an event while forgetting others. This selective recall can contribute to the dream-like quality of memories, as some details may be missing or unclear.
In summary, childhood memories feel like dreams due to the brain's development, imaginative nature, the passage of time, emotional associations, and the way memories are stored and retrieved. They may lack the clarity and coherence associated with adult memories, contributing to the dreamy and surreal quality we often associate with reminiscing about our early years.